Using Manfrotto Befree with LA-EA4

Even the Sony version plates will interfere with LA-EA4 and can not be used.
Also, It can not be attached to the screw hole of LA-EA4 itself.

Edited by gigo - 28 December 2018 at 02:01

The 494 can be converted to Arca Swiss, here's the first example I found and there'a probably other options if you don't like the screw type clamps as opposed to lever locks. I'd suggest to use a clamp and camera plate from the same company as there's two styles of Arca Swiss out there and they're not interchangeable. This wouldn't be an issue with screw lock clamps but will be with lever locks.

https://www.1kindphotography.com/2013/08/review-hejnar-photo-manfrotto-rc2-arca-swiss-conversion-set.html

Edited by stiuskr - 28 December 2018 at 10:49

When I became very interested in architectural photography (with tilt shift lenses) I wanted to be able to put my E-mount cameras into portrait as well as landscape formats on my Manfrotto 190CXPro4 tripod, fitted with a ball head and their standard quick release plate.

The simplest and cheapest solution has worked perfectly by removing a QR plate screw and bolting a swiss-arca type plate (this one) to the Manfrotto plate. Both my a7ii and NEX-6 have Chinese made, but perfectly fitted, L plates and they fit snugly in both formats. When I want to attach larger lenses with their own tripod mount I have the choice of using one of my numerous Manfrotto QR plates or swiss-arca pattern. Best of both worlds for a total cost less than £10.

And finally, when I use my a7ii with an A-mount lens on the LA-EA4 adapter there is plenty of room with the camera L-plate locked in, either way.

Hope this helps.

Edit. I should emphasise that I haven't replaced the Manfrotto ballhead plate with the Swiss-Arca but attached the two together.


Edited by bonneville - 28 December 2018 at 15:30